Tenney seeks to keep federal funds to counties for Medicaid expenses

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today joined a resolution expressing opposition to Governor Kathy Hochul’s plan to steal enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (eFMAP) funds from local governments.

Hochul’s plan, which was released as part of her budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year, would jeopardize the financing of Medicaid and pass along significant costs to New York’s 62 counties, which fund a large portion of the state’s Medicaid program.

Rep. Tenney joined U.S. Reps. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) and Nick Langworthy (NY-23) in introducing this measure.

Congress delivers federal funds directly to states to cover a share of their Medicaid programs and other healthcare initiatives. Congress intended eFMAP funds to be shared with the New York counties and local governments that sustain the Medicaid program.

However, under Governor Hochul’s 2024 budget plan, the funds would bypass counties altogether, with up to $1 billion in eFMAP funds going directly into state coffers. This will force counties to further raise property taxes on local taxpayers to cover the difference. This resolution clarifies that it was Congress’ intent for eFMAP funds to be shared directly with the county and local governments that cover the associated costs.

“Governor Kathy Hochul’s state budget proposal amounts to an egregious theft of taxpayer dollars,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “She proposes that Albany Democrats steal federal funds that Congress intended to go directly to our counties. This absolutely reckless proposal will lead to a tax hike on working families across New York.

“Our counties shoulder a significant portion of our state’s Medicaid share, and they should therefore receive federal reimbursement. If Kathy Hochul and Albany Democrats think they are entitled to these federal funds, they should shift the burden of funding Medicaid from our counties back to our state’s capital, as every other state in the country does. New York is the only state that demands local governments cover half of the Medicaid share. It is deeply unfair, and it must end.”